Constraints from finite element modeling on the active tectonics of northern Central America and the Middle America Trench

Abstract

We have developed an elastic finite element model in order to study the role of the different forces acting on the northwestern part of the Central American Volcanic Arc and the Chortis Block. We present synthetic focal mechanisms, maps of tectonic regime, and strain crosses to analyze the results. The models show that to achieve the observed state of stress on the volcanic arc, the arc must be modeled as a lithospheric weak zone. Also, the forces related to the eastward drift of the Caribbean plate must be higher than those related to the subduction of the Cocos plate. The coupling on the subduction interface must be low, with or without slip-partitioning due to the obliquity of the subduction at the trench. At Guatemala the western edge of the Chortis block is pinned against North America, even with low trench-normal forces, making the triple junction between the Cocos, North American, and Caribbean plates a zone of diffuse deformation. The extension in the western part of the Chortis block, from Guatemala to the Honduras depression, is explained by the geometry of the North American-Caribbean plate boundary and the direction of motion of the Caribbean plate with respect to North America. The direction of extension in the Chortis block is always E-W regardless of the magnitude of the applied forces, and the main part of the deformation is absorbed between the Ipala graben and the Honduras depression, both features being consistent with our models.